Читать книгу Fundamentals of Pharmacology - Группа авторов - Страница 71

There are many medications that can be used to treat the same condition; it is important to know which drug to use and when. To assist with choosing the most appropriate medication, in terms of efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness, clinical guidelines (where available) must be adhered to. Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist practitioners and patients make decisions about the most appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances. Guidelines provide recommendations for effective practice in the management of clinical conditions where variations in practice are known to occur and where effective care may not be delivered in a uniform way. There are many guidelines available, but most are based on a consensus of ‘expert opinion’ or a non‐systematic review of the scientific literature. Prescribing clinical guidelines can be local or national (Table 2.3 provides some examples).